Dr. Jennifer Bennett is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine and a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator. She has worked as a shelter veterinarian in a wide variety of municipal and private organizations, developing shelter medicine and surgery programs, consulting with humane organizations, leading community outreach and HQHVSN clinics, and working with large-scale humane law enforcement cases. Dr. Bennett was the medical director for the city of Seattle and the chief veterinary officer and chief operating officer for the Humane Society of Tacoma and Pierce County. In 2024, she joined the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program as the director of shelter medicine access to care leading the outreach veterinary team, providing support to shelter veterinarians and animal shelters.
9:25 AM–10:25 AM
Understanding Shelter Systems: A Guide for the General Practitioner
Shelter medicine is comprised of practitioners working within and across many settings in partnership with general and specialty private practitioners. This session is designed to demystify the wide range of shelter and animal welfare organizations that make up today’s sheltering landscape and enable practitioners to collaborate for effective routing and triaging of animals in need of care. This session will describe the structure and typical functions of shelter types, including municipal shelters, private humane societies and rescue groups (with and without municipal contracts), sanctuaries, home-based foster organizations, and other designs, and discuss how differences in shelter systems influence the services provided, the populations served, and the constraints under which they operate. The session will also focus on how general practitioners can effectively navigate liability questions and what steps to take when confronted with animals in need. Practical strategies will be shared for communication and aligning goals to support continuity of care, expand access to services, and improve outcomes for animals and the communities they move through. This session is ideal for general practitioners seeking actionable guidance for building good working partnerships with their community shelter colleagues.
4:15 PM–5:30 PM
Are You Shelter/Community Medicine-Curious? What You Need to Know to Jump In! (with Dr. Jena Valdez)
Shelter and community medicine veterinarians are needed across the state—but what does it really look like to jump into this work? This panel session brings together experienced shelter medicine and community clinic practitioners to share candid, real-world perspectives for the shelter-curious and community-minded. Centered on collaboration, this discussion highlights how general practitioners and shelter veterinarians together care for their community’s animals—patients who may not otherwise receive care or are at risk for entering the shelter because of inability to access care—and why working across practice settings is essential to expand access to care to keep animals in their homes. Panelists will explore how the goals of shelter and community medicine differ from private practice, the importance of a context-centered approach, and how to contribute effectively without becoming a barrier. Attendees will also hear lessons learned, common misconceptions, and practical guidance for learning resources and peer support. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m curious, but I don’t know where to start,” this panel is your on-ramp!
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